If you’ve ever gone to the dentist with severe tooth pain, you may have been referred to a local Sioux Falls endodontist,
So, what is an endodontist you may ask?
This dental specialist can properly identify, diagnose, and handle problems related to the internal components of the tooth, known as pulp. Their extra training equips them to perform root canals on an infected or decayed tooth.
This special procedure can help save your natural teeth.
That said, an endodontist’s job is much more involved than that. So, let’s discuss it further.
Endodontist: Definition and Training
As noted, an endodontist focuses on problems associated with the internal portion of the teeth, such as the tooth’s pulp that contains the tissue, blood vessels, and nerves inside. The pulp is the portion of the tooth where you can feel pain.
As with any dentist, an endodontist must first earn a four-year undergraduate degree. While dental school requirements vary, many aspiring dentists opt for a science-related major.
Next, the person must earn either a doctorate in dental surgery (DDS) or a doctorate in dental medicine (DMD). But to become an endodontist, they must also complete at least two years of additional training with a focus on tooth pain and the diagnosis and treatment of internal issues with the tooth.
Conditions Treated
Tooth abscesses, infections that cause a pocket of pus, are one of the more common conditions treated by an endodontist. These stem from decay, previous dental work, or an injury.
An endodontist also treats tooth injuries that impact the inside of your tooth or severe cracks that allow bacteria to enter. In some cases, a patient may visit an endodontist because of severe decay that has reached the inside of the tooth rather than just damaging the enamel.
Diagnostics Used
Our specialist may perform dental X-rays to evaluate the tooth’s internal structure. During your exam, you may notice the dentist tapping on your tooth with an instrument. This is the percussion test used to assess the tissue inside the tooth.
During a palpation test, our dentist may use:
- A gloved finger to assess gum sensitivity by massaging the gum tissue
- The hot and cold test, which entails applying different temperatures to the tooth and evaluating your response
- A specialized device that sends a high-frequency current to evaluate the pulp’s vitality
- And more.
Treatments Provided & Our Difference
One of the more well-known treatments an endodontist performs is a root canal, which consists of our dentist removing the infected or damaged pulp and replacing it with a dental-safe, rubber-like substance. Then, we often finish the process with a crown to inhibit bacteria from entering and strengthen the tooth.
Our specialist may also perform endodontic retreatment — a treatment where we remove previous root canal material, treat any infection, and replace the old filler with new.
Dr. Lavin is our endodontist in Sioux Falls. He understands the pain from a damaged or infected tooth and works compassionately to relieve the pain of his patients. We’re genuinely changing the reputation root canals have earned through our advanced techniques and supportive staff. We encourage you to schedule an appointment with our endodontist today to stop the discomfort sooner rather than later.
Marshall T. Lavin DDS is located in Sioux Falls, SD… This text opens a new tab to Dr. Marshall Lavin’s Google listing…, and proudly serves surrounding areas in Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska.
